Q1:  If  we originally registered with USSF through one of the states, who do we register with now that we live overseas?

A1:  You will register with the ORB through the ORA.

Q2:  How do we register those who are now living in areas where there is no soccer at any level overseas?

A2:  Same as A1. Your registration form has a section to show your activity, ensure you fill it out accordingly.

Q3:  Why should I register with the USSF?

A3:  Whether or not you are an active referee,  instructor or assessor, you should register to keep your file active, receive up to date information on the Laws of the Game and its mechanics.  You will also avoid losing time in service or grade, when you move back to the States.

Q4:  What are the registration fees?

A4:  Effective 1997, the fees are:

Q5:  If I am paying dues to a local foreign referee organization, do I have to pay USSF as well?

A5:  Yes, so that your US records can be maintained up-to-date.  You will get appropriate credit for games worked provided that these are under the diagonal system of control using a referee and two assistant referees and the games are played in accordance with the FIFA laws of the game.

Q6:  How do I get upgraded/promoted?

A6:  Because of geographical locations, special arrangements for required testing will have to be made.  Applicants for National Referee Certification are required to attend the national certification session scheduled annually in the U.S.  Such candidates must declare their intent immediately to the ORA. All of the requirements outlined in the criteria section of the Referee Administrative Manual must be met.

Q7:  In the area where I live, there are several US referees working games year-round. What can ORA do to help?

A7:  Depending on the number of  interested referees, the ORA may appoint an assistant ORA for your region or area.  That individual would act in a similar capacity as the State Referee Administrator so that coordination of the referee program can be made at the local or base level. The assistant ORA may be delegated the authority to administer testing and seek instructors and assessors.

Q8:  What about indoor or five-a-side soccer?

A8:  The ORA will send you information if you request it.

Q9:  In my area, they do not use the FIFA diagonal system of control. What should I do?

A9:  Since games worked under the diagonal system are the only ones approved by FIFA and USSF, you must encourage them to adopt the universal system.  The ORA will assist you in this area should you need help.

Q10:  How do we obtain certifying clinics for Referees, Instructors and Assessors in our area?

A10:  The ORA can request that USSF referee instructors be sent to your area to conduct clinics. The person in charge of the officials in your area must obtain permission from the local approving authority so that agreements may be worked out. Transportation, room and board must be furnished for 1 or 2 persons.  Level of target audiences must be known so that appropriate clinician can be obtained.

Q11:  How do I get assessed?

A11:  If you have no USSF assessors in your area and there is enough demand, clinics to train new assessors can  be  scheduled.  Assessments by FIFA affiliated assessors from other countries will be accepted.  if given enough advance notice, the ORA can attempt to schedule you a game and assessor during your next visit to the U.S.  You would be required to pay the local fee for the assessment.

Q12:  What happens to my records when I return to the U.S.?

A12:  Your records will be transferred to the SRA/SYRA in the State to which you return or do your primary refereeing.

Q13:  How do I retain my instructor and/or assessor rating active?

A13:  If you are an active instructor or assessor, the Federation office will send you a registration form annually. If you did not register last year or missed a year, the ORA may reactivate your file in a case by case basis depending on the circumstances.

Q14:  How do I get registered if my certification expired because I moved overseas and did not know about the ORB?

A14:  The ORA will reactivate your status and inform you of any special requirements.

Q15:  What about clinics that I attend while overseas?

A15:  You are encouraged to attend as many legitimate clinics and referee seminars as you can.  Make sure that you record these on the form upon registering or re-registering.  A copy of the completion certificates should also be forwarded to the ORA so that your records may be posted accordingly.  Please indicate the level of the course and the number of hours.

Please submit any questions not already addressed in this section to:

[email protected]